Q: We have noted that MOFCOM has issued an announcement on the launch of a foreign trade national security investigation into relevant imported office equipment with printing and copying functions. Could you brief us on the matter?

A: In accordance with Article 41 of the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China, in order to maintain order in foreign trade, MOFCOM may, on its own or jointly with other relevant departments under the State Council, conduct investigations into matters concerning national security interests in foreign trade. This foreign trade national security investigation is the first of its kind launched by China.

The investigation aims to assess the impact of relevant imported office equipment with printing and copying functions installed with foreign system software on China’s national security interests in foreign trade. The subjects of the investigation include, but are not limited to, the import situation of the items under investigation; the impact of the imported products, technologies or services on national security interests; domestic demand; the impact of the imports on domestic industries; domestic industries’ capacity and level of meeting national security interests; and the impact of relevant policies and measures of foreign governments on China’s national security interests.

Going forward, the investigating authority will carry out the investigation in accordance with the law, fully protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders, make an objective and impartial ruling based on the investigation results, and firmly uphold the lawful rights and interests of China’s domestic industries and the national security interests of China. (Released on August 5)